Mulga Snake

Pseudechis australis

The head of a Mulga Snake, Pseudechis australis.

Identification:

The Mulga Snake is heavily built and has a wide head. Its back colour varies from brown to olive-green. The belly is cream and unmarked. This is Australia’s largest venomous snake, growing to 3 metres. Midbody scale rows 17; ventrals 185–225; anal divided; subcaudals single at front, remainder divided, 50–75.

Distribution:

Found over most of mainland Australia but absent from southern coastal regions and Tasmania. This species has declined or disappeared from some coastal areas of Queensland.

Habitat:

Lives in dry open forests and grasslands.

Habits:

This species is active both day and night.

Danger:

This is a dangerously venomous species with strongly haemotoxic venom. It is a ready biter and has been responsible for human deaths. If bitten, apply first aid and seek urgent medical attention. First aid procedure for any snakebite from the Australian Venom Research Unit.

Food:

Feeds on reptiles and their eggs, mammals, frogs and birds. Like most ‘black snakes’ (Pseudechis spp.), this species will readily prey on other snakes.

Breeding:

Mating occurs during spring and early summer and up to 19 eggs are laid. The hatchling snakes are around 25 cm from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail (snout-vent length).

Similar species:

This snake is most similar to the Eastern Brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) and the Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). It can be distinguished from both by differences in build, belly colour and scale differences.

The Mulga Snake, Pseudechis australis, one of Australia’s largest dangerously venomous snakes.

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